Biotechnology In Agriculture Training Course

Introduction

This comprehensive training course on Biotechnology in Agriculture equips participants with the knowledge and skills to explore the potential and challenges of using biotechnology to enhance crop production and improve rural livelihoods. This training course addresses the critical role of biotechnology in addressing global food security, improving crop resilience, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Participants will delve into the principles of biotechnology and its diverse applications in modern agriculture.

This training course offers a thorough understanding of how genetic engineering, molecular markers, and other biotechnological tools can be used to develop improved crop varieties. Participants will learn how to enhance traits such as yield, pest resistance, and nutritional value. The training course will also cover topics such as biosafety, regulatory frameworks, and the socio-economic implications of agricultural biotechnology, ensuring a balanced perspective. By the end of this course, attendees will be equipped to understand, evaluate, and contribute to the responsible development and application of biotechnology in agriculture.

Target Audience

• Farmers
• Agricultural Scientists
• Biotechnology Researchers
• Seed Industry Professionals
• Extension Officers
• Policymakers
• Students

Course Objectives

1. Understand the principles of biotechnology in agriculture.
2. Learn about genetic engineering techniques.
3. Explore the use of molecular markers in crop improvement.
4. Understand the development of transgenic crops.
5. Learn about the role of biotechnology in enhancing crop traits.
6. Understand biosafety and regulatory frameworks.
7. Explore the socio-economic impacts of agricultural biotechnology.
8. Learn about the future trends in agricultural biotechnology.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Principles of Biotechnology in Agriculture

• Defining biotechnology and its applications in agriculture
• Understanding the history and evolution of agricultural biotechnology
• Exploring the basic principles of genetics and molecular biology
• Understanding the role of biotechnology in crop improvement
• Analyzing the potential benefits and risks of agricultural biotechnology

Module 2: Genetic Engineering Techniques

• Learning about genetic engineering techniques
• Understanding recombinant DNA technology
• Exploring gene cloning and transformation methods
• Learning about genome editing technologies (CRISPR-Cas9)
• Understanding the process of creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Module 3: Molecular Markers in Crop Improvement

• Exploring the use of molecular markers in crop improvement
• Understanding different types of molecular markers (RFLPs, RAPDs, SSRs, SNPs)
• Learning about marker-assisted selection (MAS)
• Understanding the application of molecular markers in breeding programs
• Analyzing the advantages of marker-assisted selection

Module 4: Development of Transgenic Crops

• Understanding the development of transgenic crops
• Learning about the process of developing transgenic plants
• Exploring the different generations of transgenic crops
• Understanding the commercialization of transgenic crops
• Analyzing the global status of transgenic crop adoption

Module 5: Enhancing Crop Traits

• Learning about the role of biotechnology in enhancing crop traits
• Understanding the development of crops with improved yield
• Exploring the development of pest-resistant crops
• Learning about the development of herbicide-tolerant crops
• Understanding the development of crops with enhanced nutritional value

Module 6: Biosafety and Regulatory Frameworks

• Understanding biosafety and regulatory frameworks
• Learning about the principles of biosafety
• Exploring the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
• Understanding risk assessment and management of GMOs
• Analyzing the regulatory frameworks for GMOs in different countries

Module 7: Socio-Economic Impacts

• Exploring the socio-economic impacts of agricultural biotechnology
• Understanding the impact on smallholder farmers
• Analyzing the impact on food security and poverty reduction
• Learning about the ethical considerations of agricultural biotechnology
• Understanding public perception and acceptance of GMOs

Module 8: Future Trends

• Learning about the future trends in agricultural biotechnology
• Understanding the advancements in genome editing
• Exploring the potential of synthetic biology in agriculture
• Learning about the development of climate-resilient crops
• Analyzing the role of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.